Avian Polyomavirus

As with any other pet, birds can suffer from a variety of diseases and conditions. One of the diseases that can affect birds is Polyomavirus. Bird owners need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of this disease as well as how it can be prevented as polyomavirus is a threat to many types of caged birds.

Polyomavirus is also known as Budgerigar Fledging disease. According to the American Cockatiel Society, avian polyomavirus was first noted in 1981 in budgies. According to Avian Web, avian polyomavirus seems to be most prevalent in Ringneck Parrots, Lovebirds, Macaws, Eclectuses, Cockatiels, Finches, Connures, and Budgies. The virus can also affect chickens, White Billed Caiques, Scarlet Chested Parrots' Bourke's Parrots, Ring Necked Parakeets, Amazons, Cockatoos, African Greys, and turkeys.

Avian polyomavirus is transmitted from one bird to another. Transmission occurs through contact with contaminated feces, feather dust, respiratory secretions, and crop secretions. Additionally, it is believed that a parent can pass the virus on to offspring through the egg. Birds breathing the air near an infected bird could also contract the virus, according to the American Cockatiel Society.

While an adult bird can be a carrier of the disease and show no symptoms, a young bird who contracts the illness may face death. According to the Avian and Exotics Center of Nashville, symptoms of the condition include hemorrhaging under the skin, depression, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, loss of appetite, tremors, a swollen abdomen, paralysis, slow crop emptying, and sudden death.

According to the American Cockatiel Society, some birds die within hours of being born while others may live for approximately two weeks before passing away. These birds appear to hatch normally, but their vital organs and immune systems become progressively weaker, leading to eventual fatality. Still, yet other birds may live longer in duration, but fail to thrive. These birds may present with swollen abdomens and poor muscle tone. They never learn to feed themselves or to fly. Finally, some birds appear to hatch normally and are slower at growing and feathering out. Yet they do learn how to fly and to feed themselves. These birds typically live, but they may be carriers of the disease and may pass it on to their offspring.

There is no cure for avian polyomavirus. However, a vaccine can be given to a young bird after his or her immune system develops. Initially, a bird receives one vaccine for avian polyomavirus and a second vaccine two to three weeks later. After the initial vaccination series, birds can get the vaccine once a year. It is always best to ask your veterinarian if he or she would recommend this vaccine for your bird specifically as he or she will know your bird's circumstances best.

If you suspect your pet bird has this disease, isolate him or her from any other birds you may have. The website, Priceless Parrots recommends you disinfect all surfaces that might have been contaminated with an oxidizer like chlorine bleach because this virus is resistant to many different disinfectants.

Your veterinarian will be able to conduct a blood test in order to determine if your pet has the condition and will be able to make recommendations for what you can do for your bird.

Avian polyomavirus is especially dangerous to young birds. However, knowing the symptoms of this disease is important to getting a veterinary diagnosis as well as to protecting any other birds you may have in your home.

Sources:

American Cockatiel Society: Avian Polyomavirus:
http://www.acstiels.com/articles/Health/avian_polyoma_virus.html

Avian Web: Polyoma/Avian Polyoma:
http://www.avianweb.com/polyoma.html

Avian and Exotics Center of Nashville: Polyomavirus Vaccination for Pet Birds:
http://www.avianandexoticscenter.com/birds.html

Priceless Parrots: Avian Polyomavirus:
http://www.pricelessparrots.com/polyomavirus.htm